Our Natural Therapy Association has been accrediting naturopaths for more than 60 years, ensuring that they meet the highest educational and training standards required for membership.
All of the naturopaths in our directory are qualified and capable of delivering first-rate treatments.
Find naturopathic practitioners across Australia, in our directory of experts. Or find naturopath women’s health near me.
Naturopathy emphasises a holistic approach to disease prevention, and the treatment and promotion of optimal health through natural, therapeutic means. These may include homeopathy, nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, massage therapy and lifestyle and dietary advice.
Inherent to naturopathy is the principle that the body has an intrinsic ability to heal itself. Using the healing power of nature and gentle therapeutic techniques, the mind, body and emotions are supported during this healing process.
Naturopathy is one of the most popular forms of complementary medicine in Australia today, with naturopaths performing over 4.9 million consultations every year. They will often recommend a combination of therapies, and use preventative medicine practices to ensure the body restores, heals, and nourishes itself to remain vital and strong. According to naturopathic principles, naturopaths treat each client as an individual, treat the whole body and not just an affected area, and address the cause of health issues, not just the symptoms.
The term “naturopathy” originates from the Lain root for birth (“natura”) and the Greek root for suffering (“pathos”) to suggest “natural healing.” The first advocate of naturopathic medicine was believed to be Hippocrates, and the modern form of naturopathy can be traced to 18th- and 19th-century natural healing systems. These include hydrotherapy (water therapy), which was popular in Germany, and “nature cure” (the use of air, light, food, herbs and water to treat illness), which was developed in Austria.
Benjamin Lust first introduced naturopathy to the US in 1901, with the founding of the American School of Naturopathy. It emphasised the use of natural health practices including herbal medicine, hydrotherapy and homeopathy, the avoidance of overeating, and the elimination of tea, coffee, and alcohol. Naturopaths eventually became licensed under drugless practitioner and naturopathic laws in 25 American states. Naturopathy was adopted by many chiropractors, and several universities offered Doctor of Naturopathy (ND) degrees.
Naturopathy continued to gain popularity due to social and cultural change and government policies that highlighted freedom of choice and individual responsibility, and today, naturopaths are licensed primary care providers offering advice on a range of complementary and alternative therapies, including homeopathy, herbal remedies, vitamin and mineral supplements, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and relaxation techniques.
Naturopathic practices focus on the use of natural and non-invasive treatments that work in harmony with the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Naturopaths also consider disease prevention and the influence of emotions, the environment, and lifestyle on a client’s holistic health.
Naturopathy encompasses a range of treatment methods, including:
Some naturopaths are also trained in:
A naturopath can assist with a holistic health plan by helping you understand how a variety of imbalances, deficiencies, diet, environment, lifestyle, relationships and stress levels could be impacting your health. These include:
A naturopath can assist with a holistic health plan by helping you understand how a variety of imbalances, deficiencies, diet, environment, lifestyle, relationships and stress levels could be impacting your health. These include:
The biggest difference between these three professions is their scope of practice. A herbalist administers herbal medicines and a nutritionist provides nutritional advice, whereas a naturopath offers both of these and much more.
At ANTA, we want to bring you the very best healthcare in Brisbane, and allow you to make informed decisions surrounding your health. Our Scope and Standards of Practice helps us to achieve this, in addition to attracting the most skilled naturopaths in the country. So the quickest way for you to find a high-quality Brisbane naturopath is by browsing our practitioner directory.
If you would rather find a naturopath yourself, these are the areas that you should consider:
The methods and treatments that a naturopath recommends may depend on their specific healing philosophy, as the modalities they have studied. Generally, a naturopath will start by getting an overall idea of your general health, which may include talking about your diet, lifestyle, medical history, stress levels, bowel habits, and any issues you’re currently having. They might also determine your quality of sleep, energy levels, and your emotional well being, in addition to completing a physical examination.
Once they are clear on your general health and any problems you’re having, they will custom design a treatment plan for you, to stimulate your body’s natural healing mechanisms. This might include advice such as dietary recommendations and nutritional supplements, treatments like massage, and a detoxification strategy such as removing tobacco, alcohol, tea, and coffee from your diet.
A big part of naturopathy is giving people the tools they need to live a healthier lifestyle, so the practitioner may teach you about the underlying mechanisms, and how they work. They can also give you a clear plan of the treatment being offered, what your journey looks like, and how much everything costs.
Full disclosure of your current medications is necessary to avoid any possible conflicts with naturopathic remedies. Your naturopath should have a good understanding of these conflicts, and will tailor their treatment plan based on this knowledge.
ANTA represents naturopaths with a broad range of skills, including helping you to have a baby. When you find a naturopath through our directory, be sure to enquire about their experience with fertility.
The speed of naturopathic treatment depends on a few factors: your age, your level of health, your vitality, and the length and severity of any health issues you have. For this reason, it’s hard to give an accurate time frame for feeling better. Some people will start to see health improvements within two or three days, but it may take weeks for others.
It’s important to remember that natural remedies aren’t a quick fix solution. They stimulate your body’s natural defences, which can take time to work. They can be a lifestyle choice that can improve your overall holistic health, rather than being a quick fix solution.
Naturopaths will devise a custom plan for you to help you lose weight at a steady and consistent pace. This will include nutritional recommendations, and a lot of education on what it means to eat healthily. Ultimately, the naturopath wants to improve your relationship with the food you eat, which can lead to weight loss, improved energy, and a strong sense of well being.
